This episode introduces the laws of squeezing fruits on Shabbos. The key distinction is between fruits primarily used for juice and those mainly eaten as solids. Grapes and olives are strictly forbidden to squeeze because their normal use is for producing liquids, and even juice that seeps out on its own is prohibited as a safeguard against intentional squeezing. Some fruits, like strawberries and pomegranates, depend on intent: if they were designated for eating, naturally released juice is permitted; if intended for juicing, it is not. Most other fruits, which are generally eaten rather than juiced, may be squeezed because their liquid is not considered a standard beverage. The practical takeaway is that common dual-purpose fruits—such as oranges—are generally treated more strictly, since many people use them for juice.

A practical overview of the laws of sorting on Shabbat as they apply to everyday food preparation. This episode explores when straining or separating food is permitted versus prohibited, including sifting mustard with an egg, separating egg whites and yolks, drinking through a cloth to avoid insects, removing bugs from food or drink, skimming cream, churning butter, curdling milk, and related dairy processes. Key principles focus on the classic conditions that make sorting allowed—taking the desired item by hand for immediate use—versus using utensils or preparing for later, which is generally forbidden. The discussion also touches on edge cases such as cloth filtration, squeezing concerns, and indirect forms of separation. A concise, practical guide to recognizing permitted food preparation versus prohibited sorting on Shabbat.

This episode continues the laws of Borer (selection and filtering) on Shabbos, focusing on filtering wine and water. It clarifies when filtering is permitted using non-designated items (like cloths or wicker baskets), when special filters may be used, and the limits placed to avoid weekday-style activity. The shiur explains the issue of raising a basket above a utensil, the concern of creating a “tent-like” structure, and the concept of shinui (making a recognizable change from weekday practice).

It also covers prohibited methods of filtering, such as tightly stuffing straws or splinters into spouts, and the halachos of pouring wine from one vessel to another—especially when to stop to avoid separating wine from dregs. Finally, it reviews the core principles of Borer:

• Removing refuse from food is prohibited

• Using a כלי (filtering utensil) is prohibited

• Separating for later use is prohibited

• Permitted selection must be immediate use, by hand, and removing the desired item from the undesired

This episode continues the laws of Borer as applied to filtering liquids on Shabbos. We explore when filtering wine, water, and other drinks is permitted—focusing on the key distinction between clear and cloudy liquids. If a drink is already fit to consume without filtering, straining it may be allowed, even if small particles remain. The discussion contrasts using a designated filter versus ordinary clothing, highlighting concerns of laundering (libun) and weekday-like activity. Differences between opinions, including the Rambam and the Shulchan Aruch, are clarified, along with practical cases such as fermenting wine and the broader implications for modern questions like filtering beverages. The episode concludes with guidance on making a proper shinui when required.

This episode continues the laws of selection on Shabbos, focusing on when everyday actions cross into prohibited sorting. We cover sifting grain by hand versus with tools, why funnels, plates, or two-handed techniques are not allowed, and how even simple soaking or washing can become problematic.

The discussion then turns to cleaning produce: washing vegetables, potatoes, animal fodder, and fruit, including whether soaking or rinsing removes “refuse” in a halachically significant way. We explore differing views on washing fruit under running water, washing close to eating time, and the preference to wash before Shabbos when possible.

The episode concludes with modern applications: straining liquids, reusing wine dregs, and the status of water filters and filter jugs on Shabbos—especially for those who only drink filtered water.

This episode continues the detailed laws of borer (selection) on Shabbos. We clarify the three core conditions that permit food selection: taking the desired item from the undesired, using one’s hand rather than a specialized tool, and eating immediately. The discussion explains why removing refuse—even by hand—creates liability, how using utensils changes the halachic status, and why timing matters. Practical cases include sorting large quantities of food, separating legumes, rubbing grain, removing peas from pods, cracking nuts, and peeling shells. We also explore when a change in normal technique (shinui) helps, when it does not, and where authorities are stringent, especially in actions that resemble threshing. Clear guidance is provided for everyday food preparation on Shabbos, distinguishing normal eating from prohibited sorting.

This episode continues the laws of sorting and separating on Shabbat, focusing on the key distinction between normal eating and prohibited sorting. The discussion clarifies that removing what you don’t want, using tools designed for sorting, or preparing items for later use—even later the same day—can constitute a violation.

We explore practical cases: mixed foods, two types of fish, large and small pieces, burnt or spoiled portions, sweet versus sour fruit, and common Shabbat meal preparations. The episode also expands the rules beyond food to clothing, utensils, and household items.

Core takeaways include: always take what you want now, by hand or hand-like utensils, for immediate use; avoid removing unwanted items first; and be mindful of how far in advance “immediate” really means.

This episode opens the laws of Borer (separating) on Shabbos with a foundational overview from the Mishnah Berurah. It explains why Borer is one of the most commonly misunderstood prohibitions and lays out the three core conditions that determine permissibility: taking the desired item from the undesired, doing so by hand (not with a utensil), and for immediate use within the meal. The shiur clarifies when biblical vs. rabbinic prohibitions apply, the role of utensils like strainers and sifters, and how “immediate” is defined. Practical cases are discussed, including separating vegetables, mixed foods, and produce with defects, doing Borer for others at the meal, and food prepared by a non-Jew. This episode sets the essential framework for understanding all later details of Borer.

This episode concludes Siman 344 with a practical case: someone lost in the desert who knows how many days they’ve traveled but not the starting day. We clarify which days are certainly weekday, when work is permitted, and when it must be restricted—especially once one day’s work suffices for ongoing needs.

The Mishnah Berurah then closes Chelek Gimel by summarizing the remaining primary categories of forbidden labor related to textile production: combing, beating fibers, spinning (by hand or tool), felting, weaving and its derivatives, braiding detached hair, and removing threads from finished cloth. Key distinctions are drawn between biblical and rabbinic prohibitions and practical implications for everyday scenarios.

This episode explores the halachic guidance for someone who becomes lost—such as in a desert or captivity—and no longer knows which day is Shabbat. We cover how to count days, designate a “Shabbat” for remembrance through Kiddush and Havdalah, and the limits of work and travel under conditions of uncertainty. The discussion clarifies when work is forbidden, when minimal labor is permitted for survival, and why even doubtful Shabbat days are treated with seriousness. Practical principles of survival, ספק (doubt), and the balance between preserving life and honoring Shabbat are clearly outlined, setting the stage for the conclusion of the siman in the next episode.